How many species of algae are there? A reprise. Four kingdoms, 14 phyla, 63 classes and still growing

Journal of Phycology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 60(2), P. 214 - 228

Published: Jan. 21, 2024

To date (1 November 2023), the online database AlgaeBase has documented 50,589 species of living algae and 10,556 fossil here referred to four kingdoms (Eubacteria, Chromista, Plantae, Protozoa), 14 phyla, 63 classes. The are third most speciose grouping plant-like organisms after flowering plants (≈382,000 species) fungi (≈170,000 species, including lichens) but least well defined all botanical groupings. Priority is given phyla class names that familiar phycologists nomenclaturally valid. species-rich phylum Heterokontophyta which 18 classes with 21,052 dominated by diatoms in three 18,673 (16,427 living; 2239 fossil). next red (7276 living), green (6851 blue-green (Cyanobacteria, 5723 charophytes (4950 living, Charophyceae, 511 Zygnematophyceae, 4335 species), Dinoflagellata (2956 Dinophyceae, 2828 extant), haptophytes (Haptophyta 1722 517 living).

Language: Английский

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Organ Evolution: Emergence of Multicellular Function

Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 40(1), P. 51 - 74

Published: July 4, 2024

Instances of multicellularity across the tree life have fostered evolution complex organs composed distinct cell types that cooperate, producing emergent biological functions. How originate is a fundamental evolutionary problem has eluded deep mechanistic and conceptual understanding. Here I propose cell- to organ-level transitions framework, whereby cooperative division labor originates becomes entrenched between through process functional niche creation, cell-type subfunctionalization, irreversible ratcheting interdependencies. Comprehending this transition hinges on explaining how these processes unfold molecularly in evolving populations. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies analyses terminal fate specification indicate cellular functions are conferred by modular gene expression programs. These discrete components variation may be deployed or combined within cells introduce new properties into multicellular niches, partitioned establish labor. Tracing program at level single populations reveal toward organ complexity.

Language: Английский

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Progress and future directions for seaweed holobiont research

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 244(2), P. 364 - 376

Published: Aug. 13, 2024

In the marine environment, seaweeds (i.e. macroalgae) provide a wide range of ecological services and economic benefits. Like land plants, do not these in isolation, rather they rely on their associated microbial communities, which together with host form seaweed holobiont. However, there is poor understanding mechanisms shaping complex seaweed-microbe interactions, evolutionary processes underlying interactions. Here, we identify current research challenges opportunities field holobiont biology. We argue that identifying key partners, knowing how are recruited, specific function relevance across all life history stages among knowledge gaps particularly important to address, especially context environmental threatening seaweeds. further discuss future approaches study holobionts, can apply concept natural or engineered ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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An Update on the Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Selected Species of an Underpinned Genus of Red Algae: Chondrus

Marine Drugs, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 22(1), P. 47 - 47

Published: Jan. 17, 2024

Macroalgae, particularly red seaweeds, have attracted significant attention due to their economic and health benefits. Chondrus, a algae genus, despite its importance, seems be undervalued. Among all species, Chondrus crispus has been meticulously documented for biological properties, little is known about other species. No comprehensive review of the properties this genus acknowledged. Thus, aimed summarize available information on chemical constituents few selected including crispus, ocellatus, Mazzaella canaliculata, armatus. We compiled discovered that offering most important health-promoting benefits evidenced from in vitro vivo studies focused antimicrobial, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, anti-atopic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-coagulation, nephroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-venom activity, which speaks potential genus. Data clinical are limited. Further, around 105 reported spp. Given significance, further investigation warranted, form planned cell, animal, concentrate novel health-enhancing endeavors, order unveil full The also outlines challenges future directions.

Language: Английский

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Cell wall‐mediated maternal control of apical–basal patterning of the kelp Undaria pinnatifida

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 243(5), P. 1887 - 1898

Published: July 10, 2024

Summary The role of maternal tissue in embryogenesis remains enigmatic many complex organisms. Here, we investigate the contribution to apical–basal patterning kelp embryo. Focussing on Undaria pinnatifida , studied effects detachment from using microsurgery, staining cell wall modifications, morphometric measurements, flow cytometry, genotyping and a modified fertilisation protocol synchronising embryogenesis. Detached embryos are rounder often show aberrant morphologies. When part oogonial attached zygote, is rescued. Furthermore, absence contact with increases parthenogenesis, highlighting critical signals initial stages development. These results key for connection kelps. This observation reminiscent another brown alga, Fucus where directs fate. Our findings suggest conserved mechanism across phylogenetically distant oogamous lineages, localised secretion sulphated F2 fucans mediates establishment polarity. In this model, basal fate determination by providing an extrinsic cue future

Language: Английский

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Seagrass arabinogalactan-proteins: Are they important for adaptation to the marine environment?

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 4, 2025

Abstract During the late cretaceous period several lineages of angiosperm plants transitioned from land to sea by successfully adapting life in salt water, forming polyphyletic group seagrasses. Today, four seagrass families inhabit coastal systems and are deeply intertwined with health welfare these ecosystems. Adaptation ocean environment included changes composition plant cell walls associated glycoproteins. We have asked question whether or not there is a convergent similar arabinogalactan-protein glycan repertoire all seagrasses, given initial findings arabinogalactan-proteins unique features well-studied eelgrass, Zostera marina . isolated characterized seven species covering major using carbohydrate analysis immunoassays, along bioinformatic search for relevant gene pathways newly published genomes transcriptomes. Glycan parts shared high proportion 1,4-linked glucuronic acids terminal 4- O -methyl acid residues. Trait-based dendrograms generated inform phylogenetic-relatedness showed was no phylogenetic signal among features. Transcriptomic datasets Cymodocea nodosa Thalassia hemprichii growing under hypersaline conditions an upregulation enzymes involved 4 -methylation transfer. therefore conclude that environmental factors, especially salinity higher monovalent ion concentration, influence structure more intensely than history.

Language: Английский

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Chromosome-level assembly and gene annotation of Kappaphycus striatus genome

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

Kappaphycus striatus is one of the carrageenan-producing red algae, and found primarily in tropical subtropical coastal regions. Its global distribution mainly Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, among other locations. Here, through high-quality chromosome-level genome sequences assembly with PacBio HiFi Hi-C sequencing data, we assembled a total 211.46 Mb size, containing contig N50 length 5.04 scaffold 5.39 Mb. After manual adjustment to heatmap, deduced that 199.42 genomic were anchored 33 presumed chromosomes, which accounting for 94.31% entire genome. One 14,596 protein-coding genes 1,673 non-coding RNAs identified, 100.96 repetitive 47.73% Our data provide valuable references K. future nursery breeding, will be useful functional genomics interpretations evolutionary studies eukaryotes.

Language: Английский

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Anticancer Properties of Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Review

Marine Drugs, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 23(2), P. 70 - 70

Published: Feb. 7, 2025

In recent years, the exploration of bioactive molecules derived from natural sources has gained interest in several application fields. Among these, macroalgae have garnered significant attention due to their functional properties, which make them interesting therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment. Cancer constitutes a global health burden, and side effects existing treatment modalities underscore necessity for novel models that, line with goal reducing drug treatments, take advantage compounds. This review explores anticancer properties macroalgae, focusing on compounds mechanisms action. The key findings suggest that possess rich array compounds, polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidans alginates), polyphenols phlorotannins), terpenoids, exhibit diverse activities, such as inhibition cell proliferation, angiogenesis, induction apoptosis, modulation immune system. provides an overview current understanding macroalgae’s potential, highlighting most promising While preclinical studies shown results, further research is necessary translate these into effective clinical applications.

Language: Английский

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The molecular complexity of terpene biosynthesis in red algae: current state and future perspectives

Natural Product Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

In this article, we review the key processes contributing to chemical diversity of terpenes in red algae. We present knowledge gaps and perspectives for heterologous biosynthesis.

Language: Английский

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The expanded Bostrychia moritziana genome unveils evolution in the most diverse and complex order of red algae

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 1, 2025

Red algae are an ancient eukaryotic lineage that were among the first to evolve multicellularity. Although they share a common origin with modern-day plants and display complex multicellular development, comprehensive genome data from most highly evolved red algal groups remain scarce. Here, we present chromosome-level assembly of Bostrychia moritziana, seaweed in Rhodomelaceae family Ceramiales-the largest diverse order algae. Contrary view genomes typically small, report significant size expansion other Ceramiales, which represents one at least three independent events evolution. Our analyses suggest these expansions do not involve polyploidy or whole-genome duplications, but rather stem proliferation single giant Plavaka DNA transposons. Consistent its enlarged genome, has increased gene content shaped by de novo emergence amplified families providing insight into genetic adaptations underpinning this successful species-rich order. Finally, our sex-specific assemblies resolve UV sex chromosomes Bostrychia, feature expanded gene-rich sex-linked regions. Notably, each chromosome harbors amino acid loop extension homeodomain (TALE-HD) transcription factor orthologous regulators haploid-diploid transitions lineages. Together, findings offer unique perspective genomic driving diversity demonstrate how can provide evolutionary origins universal principles

Language: Английский

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